Guns International #: 101821903

Category - Merkel Shotguns - Shotguns - German Double

Category
Merkel Shotguns
Shotguns - German Double

Merkel 203E 20 Gauge – LUXUS SIDELOCK, 1952, 99%, GAME SCENE, vintage firearms inc

Description:
General Specs: Merkel, Year 1952, 20 Gauge, 6lbs 3oz, Chokes IC/IM, LOP 14 1/2", DAH 2 11/16", DAC 1 1/2"
Serial Number: 36585

Merkel over/under shotguns have been dominating the European market since 1924.  Of the various grades offered by this famed manufacturer, the 203E was the first grade in the lineup with full sidelock action, hand-detachable locks, Kirsten cross-bolts, double underlug barrels, beautifully figured European walnut stocks finely checkered, horn grip cap and butt plate, and slender three-piece forend wood.  This gun, sn36585 built in 1952, is the LUXUS MODEL POSSESSING DEEPLY CHISELED GAME SCENE ENGRAVING, ORNATE CARVINGS AT THE WRIST ON THE BUTTSTOCK, AND ARTICULATED FRONT TRIGGER.  Most gunners are aware that the earlier Merkel guns are superior to any put out in the 21rst century.  This Merkel 203E Luxus is in perfect mechanical condition with super-strong ejectors, the triggers are crisp, the barrels are tight on the hinge pin and breech face like a new gun.  This gun has barely been fired and shows no signs of wear anywhere.  ALL FINISHES ARE AT LEAST 99% AND ARE FACTORY FINISHES…NO RESTORATIONS ANYWHERE ON THE GUN.  The deeply chiseled engraving is profuse and fully covers the action, showing fine foliate and oak leaf engraving surrounding encapsulating game scenes.  The barrels at the breech are adorned with finely cut oak leaf engraving, as is the trigger guard.  The hand-detachable locks are easily removed allowing easy access for cleaning, inspection, and repair.  The inletting in the beautifully figured French walnut is done to perfection without a flaw or split anywhere.  The wood-to-metal fit is superb and masterfully done.  This is a BEST GUN in the way of beauty and workmanship.  The modern steel barrels are of the highest quality and able to handle any of the modern factory loads, including any of the soft non-toxic shot readily available today.  The 26” barrels are choked Improved Cylinder and Light Modifed…the perfect upland chokes.  Using RST spreader loads in the top barrel and you have an incredible grouse gun.  The bores are perfect mirror without flaw.  The stock dimensions are modern and will fit most.  See the specifications below.  We can install a fine leather covered pad for those who may need a longer LOP.  This gun weighs 6lbs. 3oz.  and balances dead on the hinge pin and handles like a much lighter gun.  She is amazing in looks and dynamics.  There are few of these guns to be found and one in this condition is usually priced at well over $15,000.  We have priced this gun to sell, so please don’t hesitate to call and make this your best Christmas gift ever!  Thanks for looking.  
 
Barrels

Barrel Length:  26''
Chokes:  .011/ .023  Improved Cylinder/Improved Modified
Bores:  perfect
Bore Diameter:  .628/ .628
Wall Thickness:  .038/ .036  
% Blue:  99% factory
Chambers:  2 3/4"
Ribs:  tight
Sights:  Front ivory bead

Action

Action:  tight, right of center
Ejectors or Extractors:  ejectors, timed
Receiver Condition:  French Grey 100%
Screws:  perfect
Engraving:  oak leaf/game scene; full coverage, deep chiseled
Trigger Type:  double- crisp, ARTICULATED
Trigger Guard Color:  99% blue, 70% engraving cover, crisp

Stock

Type:  capped pistol grip/3 piece forend
LOP:  14 1/2"
LOP To End Of Wood:  14 3/16"
DAH:  2 11/16"
DAC:  1 1/2"
Cast:  Heel 5/16"off, Toe 3/8"off
Checkering Condition:  perfect, fine, sharp oak leaf carvings
Butt Treatment:  horn buttplate

There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on this gun. Call us for full details, or to purchase #616-292-6240. If you have any questions please call or email us. Thanks! Vintage Firearms Inc

Payment Methods: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price reflects 3% cash discount. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3% higher.)
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.
Sales Tax: Collected in AR, IL, KS, MI, PA, TN
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $225.00 within the continental U.S. Additional fees for HI & AK. We ship internationally with additional fees!
Item Condition: Used
Requires FFL?: Yes

PLEASE SEE MY OTHER FINE VINTAGE FIREARMS. Just open one of my ads and click on the line that says “see all items from this seller” and a very nice list of fine sporting and collectible arms will appear. We have many more sxs shotguns, o/u shotguns, rifles and handguns not yet listed, check back or email us for a preview. We are a Wilson Combat dealer! Thanks for looking!

We employ full time gunsmiths on premises and can perform alterations to suit your needs within a few weeks of purchase. Common requests are: -stock bending to suit your particular requirements -addition of any specified butt pad to increase length of pull -alteration of chokes to suit your shooting preferences -lengthening of chambers and forcing cones -darkening stock color with penetrating stains -restoring any part of the gun including rust blue, charcoal blue, bone and charcoal case color, wood restoration and checkering recuts. If you like one our guns but it needs "tweaked", let us know and we can quote you a time and price. Some enthusiasts like the guns "as found" and others want them "just so". We often list guns as found and let the particular buyer choose how they want their gun to fit or look.

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge